Advice on digital SLR camera?

Question

I'm a journalist who wants to get into photography. I want to buy a decent digital SLR camera that is good value for money. Probably under £700. Also, the lighter the better as I have my phone, notepads, dictaphone etc to carry already!

Answer 1

Your probably gunna hear this 100 times but look at Nikons and Canon. Based on what you want I would have to reccomend the Nikon D40 or D40x. Both are amazing camera that are very easy to use. They are a great first digital SLR that will teach you all you need to know thanks to the "?" button yet they are still very proffesional and very powerful. Good Luck!

http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/NikonD40/

Answer 2

I got the Nikon D40 as its the lightest and the camera with the best starter lens on the market. However that only costs about £300 max. If you want to go one step further get the Nikon D40x which has 10 times more functions than the D40 and is also a 10mp camera. That would set you back about £500 max and after that you'll have money left over to buy better lenses and other accessories.

You may want to compare Nikons with Canons, but as a fellow girl, I did find Canon a bit on the bulky and heavy side and I have small hands so the feel of a camera is important.

Try as many as you can. With your budget you can get a VERY decent camera.

Answer 3

You're a journalist who doesn't have your own camera?

Anyway, if you want anything of quality, get either a Nikon D80, a Canon 40, or a Pentax K10D. For the price, the K10d is better, since you get a weather sealed body. But for image quality, I would suggest the 40D. For sturdiness, quality construction, good images, and a great range of lenses, get the Nikon D80.

A note for the Pentax series, the K10d and K100d/Super all have in camera shake reduction. This is good, but it barely works, giving the photographer only 1 to 2 stops adjustment. The Nikon 18-200mm VR gives 4 to 5, and plus, it's very noticable.

You still need lenses, something of which will determine how crisp, saturated, and vibrant your images will be. This will add another $200-$400/ Euros to the price tag.

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

Take a serious look at the Pentax K100D, K100D Super or K10D. All 3 have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body - which means you don't have to pay for it every time you buy a lens with IS. To me that's like having to buy new tires every time you fill your car with gas.

Any K-mount lens ever made will mount to the Pentax DSLRs and although you'll have to use manual focus at least they'll have IS.

Both the 100 series have 6.1mp; the Super adds dust removal for your sensor. The 10 has 10mp and dust removal and its extremely well-sealed.

Certainly worth investigating IMO.

Answer 5

If i were you I'd try either the:

canon eosRebel XTI which is one of canons starter cameras it costs around 500$

canon eos Rebel XT the rebel xt isnt quite as good as the XTI but its cheaper and if you dont absolutely need the new features i'd try this one

canon eos 30d its a bit more expensive but the camera results are simply amazing.

If i were you i'd try one of the rebels and get a decent long telephoto lens. That would cost around 1,000$

Answer 6

To graduate in photojournalism from my local college, you need to show proficiency with a Nikon D200 or higher, 17-55 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, SB-800 flash and Pocket Wizards.

You may be able to make a living with less, but let that be your guide ;-)

Answer 7

Nikon D40x is the best investment I've made, camera-wise, in a really long time.

it is a little pricey, but so worth it.
the camera is pretty light and just the right size for a woman's hands.
:D